Offer vital practical support in the homes of families caring for children with life-threatening conditions.
Key activities
In this role, tasks could include:
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Cleaning/hoovering/dusting
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Laundry/ironing
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Cooking/food preparation
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Gardening/mowing the lawn
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Painting/decorating/odd jobs
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Helping with homework/playing with siblings/walking the dog etc.
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Having a cup of tea and a chat/being a listening ear
You can let us know what household/practical tasks you would rather help with and we will match you with a family who has asked for that kind of help.
This role does not include nursing care tasks such as personal care, feeding or giving medication. These tasks must not be undertaken by a volunteer.
To take a tour of all three of our hospices please click here.
Personal qualities
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You need to be over 18 for this particular role (although there are other opportunities at EACH if you are under 18)
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This role is perfect for practical, friendly and caring people who are looking to make a real difference
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We ask that you are non-judgmental and willing to get stuck into jobs at the family home
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We ask that you try to commit for 6 months once you are matched with a family, but we understand that circumstances change
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Being reliable and flexible is important for families
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We would like you to be able to have good communication with the family and with your Volunteer Coordinator
What will you get out of it?
You will make a difference to a family who need an extra helping hand in the home. You will also meet new people, receive all the training you need, and have regular catch ups with your Volunteer Coordinator. This role is ideal for anyone with any time to give.
We will reimburse any travel expenses to and from your chosen hospice base and to and from the family home.
Supervision: You will be invited to attend a number of group supervisions each year designed to support you and allow you to meet other volunteers.
Location: Training and supervision will take place at The Nook hospice. Family homes are all over Norfolk so we will try to match you with a family near to your home.
Time commitment: We are very flexible about the times you can visit a family and just ask that you let us know your availability so that we can match that with a family.
Recruitment process: We would like to meet you for an informal chat. We will help you to choose two referees for us to contact and will guide you through an enhanced DBS check. You will then be invited to undertake some mandatory training to prepare you for the role.
We benefit greatly by having volunteers, but volunteers themselves get lots out of it too! Volunteering is a great way to:
